Sermons on Series Life Wide Open:

"Advent Is Not About Waiting To Open Presents On Christmas"

Contributed by Ken Sauer on Nov 27, 2008

A sermon for the 1st Sunday in Advent.

Isaiah 64:1-9 “Advent is Not about Waiting to Open Presents on Christmas” By: Rev. Ken Sauer, Pastor of Grace United Methodist Church, Soddy Daisy, TN www.gracumcsd.org Our Old Testament Lesson for this morning is a lament from the community that raises the question of whether their waiting for ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 64:1-9

Denomination: United Methodist

Close Your Mouth And Open Your Ears Series

Contributed by Carl Willis on Apr 14, 2001

If you’re always talking you can’t be taught.

Close Your Mouth and Open Your Ears James 1:19-27 I. Listen up A. Don’t just hear B. Listen and carefully consider II. Slow down A. Don’t speak impulsively 1. Consider words 2. Carefully choose them 3. What would Jesus do? B. Slow to anger 1. Just because you are justified, ...read more

Scripture: James 1:19-27

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Open Handed Blessings, Closed Handed Consequences

Contributed by Andrew Drummond on Jul 30, 2006

When we look back on all of the gifts that have freely been bestowed upon us by God we clearly see richness, yet how freely are we giving it away? I believe that Jesus desires that we not hoard these gifts, but give them away...

How many of you know what it is like to have a kid coming up to you asking for candy? I had Pastor Adam and Emi’s kids Harry and Jordan in my office the other day wanting a lolly. How do you look into the faces of those cute kids and say, ‘no’? You can’t. I opened up my drawer and gave them each a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:7-8

Lord, Open My Ears To The Spirit Of Counsel

Contributed by James Dina on Oct 30, 2020

Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

LORD, OPEN MY EARS TO THE SPIRIT OF COUNSEL "The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise."(Proverbs 15:31 ) To make vision work, it must be coupled with instruction. Jesus excelled not just because He had a vision, but because His ears were tuned to hear ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 15:31, Psalm 33:11, Proverbs 29:18

Denomination: Pentecostal

Becoming An Open Vessel. -That’s God!

Contributed by Howard Strickland on May 8, 2024

Peter Marshall, in a sermon entitled, "Disciples in Clay," pictured the apostles before an examining board which was appointed to choose Jesus' close associates. Peter stood there smelling of fish -- unrefined, uncultured, impulsive, and passionate....

Becoming An Open Vessel. -That’s God! -2 Corinthians 4:7 Illustration. Hold a clay jar. Can that which is little contain that which is big? Can that which is finite encompass that which is infinite? Yes. How? Left the jar and remove the cap from its top.) It can. -It can, if it’s an open ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7, Isaiah 55:1-5

Denomination: Pentecostal

Ruth Chapter Three: "Open Your Heart" Series

Contributed by Dave Mcfadden on Feb 27, 2012

We need to open our hearts to the possibilities and opportunities God is orchestrating in our lives.

Naomi and her daughter-in-law, Ruth, had experienced bitterness in life, Because of famine, Naomi had fled with her husband, Elimelech, to Moab. There, her two sons, Mahlon and Kilion, met and married Moabite women. Naomi’s joy over her sons’ marriages was short-lived, however, as, due to ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 3:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Staying The Right Course Series

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Nov 9, 2015

Jesus give us directions on how to choose the right path; He gives us a warning concerning who we follow and allow to influence our lives and decisions; and He gives the means by which we can evaluate the leadership of those whom we follow.

Staying the Right Course Matthew 7:13-20 Intro: Last week we talked about the fact that every human has a free will and cannot be forced (nor can we force others) to accept God’s way of life that He offers freely. When someone tries to force someone to follow a certain path, through ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:13-20

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Open Doors And Closed Doors: Listen To The Spirit PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Jan 14, 2024

Explores trusting God's plan, persisting through challenges, and promoting His ministry, as exemplified by Paul and Timothy.

Good morning, dear friends. It is a joy to be here with you again, gathered in the name of our Lord. We are here to break bread, to share fellowship, and to delve into the Word of God. We are here to be encouraged, to be challenged, and to be transformed by the power of the Gospel. Today, we turn ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:1-10

Topics: Listening, Spirit

Opening Our Eyes To God’s Glory

Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Feb 25, 2017

The transfiguration reveals that Jesus is powerful (he is God!), primary (he must come first), personable (he cares about us), and passionate (he desires all to be saved). God wants us, like the disciples present, to "listen to him!"

Matthew 17:1-9 Opening Our Eyes to God’s Glory Do you ever get the sense that you take God for granted? Some of us grew up in homes where going to Sunday worship was expected of us. We grew up always knowing the love of God from an early age. And perhaps we’re spoiled a little. We don’t remember ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Heaven's Open Door Policy

Contributed by Scott Maze on Mar 3, 2025

The Bible says you can open up your innermost thoughts and just spill them out on the ground before Jesus. He’s not going to look at you like, “Oh gross!” He’s not going to laugh at you or mock you.

We are beginning the new year by praying together as a church. Maybe you are not sure of yourself when it comes to prayer. If prayer were a high school sport, you’re not sure you’d receive a “letter” on your varsity jacket for prayer. Many of you have picked up the little book, 21 Days of Prayer. ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 4:14-16

Denomination: Baptist

Hope, Life’s Anchor

Contributed by Dr. John D. Wentworth on Dec 3, 2024

Advent is a season of preparation and anticipation, marking the four weeks leading up to Christmas. The word "Advent" comes from the Latin adventus, meaning "coming" or "arrival."

Title: Hope, Life’s Anchor Text: Isaiah 9:6-7 "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6-7

Denomination: Independent/Bible

I Think I'm Open. Maybe.

Contributed by Brian Garner on Mar 12, 2003

The Christian walk is more than a Sunday stroll -- are we really willing to join in the journey of faith

Wanted, men for polar expedition. Harsh climate, little pay, bitter cold, severe winds, starvation. Little likelihood of safe return. For those who do, glory. If you’ve been listening to Christian radio lately, you’ve likely heard that story. It’s a true one. In a lot of ways, that ad could ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Who Cares...when I Am Feeling All Alone? Series

Contributed by Chip Monck on Aug 22, 2007

Eighth in a series exploring life crisis, based on the promotional materials provided by Outreach in their "Who Cares" campaign. This message explores the life challenge of loneliness.

(Extensive inspiration for the sermons in this series derived from the sermon samples in the "Who Cares" promotional series by Outreach Ministries.) (This message opened by showing the video "Never Alone" by Barlow Girl) The song has a good title, "Never Alone." And in it, Barlow Girl echoes the ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 13:5

Denomination: Wesleyan

Lesson 2: Learning From Opening The Book

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Apr 19, 2007

“ Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!” (Rev. 5:13)

A. INTRODUCTION: Revelation 5:1-14 1. The title deed to the universe. What is “the book and the seven seals”? (v. 5). 2. Sin separates and destroys. Why could “no man . . . open and to read the book, neither to look thereon” (v. 4). 3. Who had temporary rulership of the world? “The god of this ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 5:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Learning From Opening The Book Lesson 2 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Nov 18, 2025

Why can Jesus open the book?

A. INTRODUCTION: Revelation 5:1-14 1. The title deed to the universe. What is “the book and the seven seals”? (v. 5). 2. Sin separates and destroys. Why could “no man . . . open and to read the book, neither to look thereon” (v. 4). 3. Who had temporary rulership of the world? “The god of ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 5:1-14

Denomination: Baptist